Laboratory Director

ALS Global • Stratford, CT

21h

About The Position

At ALS, we encourage you to dream big. When you join us, you’ll be part of a global team harnessing the power of scientific testing and data-driven insights to build a healthier future. Laboratory Director Imagine your future with us! At ALS, we encourage you to dream big. When you join ALS, you join a purpose and values-driven team that empowers you to innovate, create, and thrive. Our global team turns up each day with passion and commitment to do amazing things, always challenging our thinking to find ways to solve some of the world’s most complex problems for a safer, healthier world. About the role: The Laboratory Manager will be responsible for the sustainable financial and commercial performance of the nominated business. They will be responsible for strategic and business planning and the execution of those plans. The Laboratory Manager will be responsible to ensure the business meets all local federal government compliance and ALS government requirements. About you: Strategic & Financial Leadership Participate in the development of regional strategy and business planning initiatives. Lead strategic and operational planning for the business unit to support organizational goals. Execute strategic and business plans to achieve financial and operational targets. Align the business with ALS’s low-cost product positioning strategy. Achieve budgeted financial performance and ensure sustained, profitable growth. Prepare and manage annual budgets, including oversight of CAPEX and OPEX. Monitor and manage cost controls, labor efficiency, and operational performance. Lead debt collection efforts and optimize cash conversion. Provide final approval on accounts payable activities. Take ownership of business-critical initiatives and drive implementation. Operational Excellence & Quality Assurance Oversee Environmental Laboratory operations and associated regional service centers. Ensure operational alignment with the ALS purpose: Science. Assurance. Sustainability. Champion ALS’s brand promise: Right Solutions, Right Partner. Maintain the integrity of the laboratory’s quality management system, ensuring it meets or exceeds standards such as ISO17025 and NELAC. Ensure quality data production and sound analytical methodologies. Review and respond to quality audit results and client complaints with appropriate corrective actions. Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory, legislative, and ALS policy requirements. Adhere to the ethical and compliance standards of the ALS brand. Client & Market Focus Foster and maintain strong client relationships to drive retention and market share. Ensure timely and high-quality service delivery to all clients. Lead turnaround time performance and continuous client service improvement. Develop and execute client acquisition, sales, marketing, and pricing strategies aligned with business objectives. Manage formal client feedback processes, including Net Promoter Score (NPS) and/or client surveys. Promote ALS’s technical leadership and credibility in the marketplace. Build trust with clients and internal stakeholders through consistency, reliability, and innovation. People & Culture Leadership Build trust within the team and lead by example in alignment with ALS values: Safe, Resilient, Curious, Committed, Caring, Honest. Ensure the staff structure and capability meet both current and future business needs. Lead a culture of staff engagement, development, and continuous learning. Develop and implement succession planning strategies. Hold team members accountable for individual and team performance. Ensure direct reports receive appropriate mentoring, training, and development opportunities. Manage performance reviews through a structured Performance Management Review framework. Promote inclusive, diverse, and equitable workforce practices. Ensure the development and maintenance of sound human resources management practices. Sustainability & Corporate Responsibility Support ALS’s carbon reduction strategy through operational initiatives. Champion the organization’s social responsibility efforts and community engagement goals. Additional Responsibilities Perform other duties as assigned in support of business priorities and organizational success.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in science or related field is required.
• At least 3 years’ experience as a Department Manager, Laboratory Supervisor, Laboratory Manager, or Project Manager preferred.
• Also need to ensure all quality requirements are met as set by ALS and regulatory authorities.
• Able to speak and hear clearly while communicating with staff, management, and clients.
• Dexterity in hands and fingers to operate computer and other equipment.
• Must have average vision and able to see to read reports.
• Ability to travel to client locations to promote new business.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products, LIMS, and Internet based reference libraries.
• Possess excellent customer relation skills including the ability to assist sales and marketing with client visits and presentations.
• The ability to promote staff development and manage conflicts as necessary.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Routinely lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move heavier loads with assistance.
• Must be able to stand, bend, push, pull, stoop and crouch up to 25% of the time while performing the duties of this position.
• Must be able to work on computer while sitting for up to 8 hours per day.
• Any technical manager of an accredited environmental laboratory engaged in microbiological, biology, chemistry, environmental sciences, physical sciences or engineering with a minimum of sixteen (16) college semester credit hours in general microbiology and biology and at least two (2) years of experience in the environmental analysis of representative analytes for which the laboratory seeks or maintains accreditation.
• A master's of doctoral degree in one of the above disciplines may be substituted for one (1) year of experience.
• A person with an associate's degree in an appropriate field of the sciences or applied sciences, with a minimum of four (4) college semester credit hours in general microbiology may be the technical manager(s) of a laboratory engaged in microbiological analysis limited to fecal coliform, total coliform, E. coli, and standard plate count.
• Two (2) years of equivalent ands successful college education, including the microbiology requirement, may be substituted for the associate's degree.
• In addition, each person shall have one (1) year of experience in microbiology analyses.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the development of regional strategy and business planning initiatives.
• Lead strategic and operational planning for the business unit to support organizational goals.
• Execute strategic and business plans to achieve financial and operational targets.
• Align the business with ALS’s low-cost product positioning strategy.
• Achieve budgeted financial performance and ensure sustained, profitable growth.
• Prepare and manage annual budgets, including oversight of CAPEX and OPEX.
• Monitor and manage cost controls, labor efficiency, and operational performance.
• Lead debt collection efforts and optimize cash conversion.
• Provide final approval on accounts payable activities.
• Take ownership of business-critical initiatives and drive implementation.
• Oversee Environmental Laboratory operations and associated regional service centers.
• Maintain the integrity of the laboratory’s quality management system, ensuring it meets or exceeds standards such as ISO17025 and NELAC.
• Ensure quality data production and sound analytical methodologies.
• Review and respond to quality audit results and client complaints with appropriate corrective actions.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory, legislative, and ALS policy requirements.
• Adhere to the ethical and compliance standards of the ALS brand.
• Foster and maintain strong client relationships to drive retention and market share.
• Ensure timely and high-quality service delivery to all clients.
• Lead turnaround time performance and continuous client service improvement.
• Develop and execute client acquisition, sales, marketing, and pricing strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Manage formal client feedback processes, including Net Promoter Score (NPS) and/or client surveys.
• Promote ALS’s technical leadership and credibility in the marketplace.
• Build trust with clients and internal stakeholders through consistency, reliability, and innovation.
• Build trust within the team and lead by example in alignment with ALS values: Safe, Resilient, Curious, Committed, Caring, Honest.
• Ensure the staff structure and capability meet both current and future business needs.
• Lead a culture of staff engagement, development, and continuous learning.
• Develop and implement succession planning strategies.
• Hold team members accountable for individual and team performance.
• Ensure direct reports receive appropriate mentoring, training, and development opportunities.
• Manage performance reviews through a structured Performance Management Review framework.
• Promote inclusive, diverse, and equitable workforce practices.
• Ensure the development and maintenance of sound human resources management practices.
• Support ALS’s carbon reduction strategy through operational initiatives.
• Champion the organization’s social responsibility efforts and community engagement goals.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of business priorities and organizational success.
• To have an understanding of the company’s major HSE policies.
• To have an understanding of the company’s safety & environmental requirements as set out in the safety manual.
• To ensure that the business is compliant with ALS requirements for Health, Safety and the Environment.
• To provide the necessary equipment and environment to ensure safety in the laboratory.
• To report and rectify any compliance concern, unsafe practice or environmental harm.
• To develop and further improve the safety & sustainability culture within the business unit through strong leadership.
• To comply with current state OHS legislation.
• Understanding of HSE precautions necessary while working with samples of unknown hazard.
• Follow operating procedures, site standards and policies to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the site.
• Play an active role in the ALS safety program by monitoring unsafe acts and conditions that are observed during day-to-day operations to create a zero-injury work environment.
• Participate and support HSE initiatives, as required by ALS leadership.

Benefits

• Structured wage increases
• Comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement plan with company match, employee assistance and wellness programs, access to company perks)
• Additional vacation days for years of service
• Business support for education or training after 9 months with the company
• Learning & development opportunities (unlimited access to e-learnings and more)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager